Voters in Kabale Municipality have delivered a powerful message at the ballot box, opting for continuity and independence over campaign inducements during the hotly contested mayoral race in the 2026 General Election.
Despite an intensive campaign by NRM supporters, including high-profile mobilization led by Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, Peace Rugambwa, voters overwhelmingly backed incumbent Mayor Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, who was seeking re-election as an Independent candidate.
Throughout the campaign period, Rugambwa crisscrossed the municipality, engaging residents at community gatherings and on local radio stations, urging them to support the ruling party’s flag bearer. Her message largely centered on the promise of development and government support tied to an NRM victory.
Despite distributing Mattresses and Blankets, many residents appeared unmoved, choosing instead to reward what they described as familiar leadership and proven local service.
Byamugisha, who was seeking re-election as an Independent candidate, was officially declared winner by the Kabale District Returning Officer, Aisha Nansubuga, in accordance with Section 147 of the Local Government Act, Cap 138, at the district main tally centre at Rukiiko Hall on Tuesday night.
According to the final results, Byamugisha secured 8,270 votes, defeating his closest challenger, NRM flag bearer Sam Arinaitwe, who garnered 5,292 votes. Other candidates trailed far behind, with Independent candidate Ian Mugisha Roland polling 203 votes, while FDC’s Monday Everist Hussein obtained 94 votes.
Speaking shortly after his declaration, Byamugisha struck a calm but pointed tone, acknowledging the intense campaign that preceded the vote.
“Thank you, Peace Rugambwa, but the people have spoken,” he said, as supporters cheered.
Byamugisha pledged to prioritize road infrastructure development, improvements in the education sector, health and sanitation, and the enhancement of household incomes among residents of the municipality.
He emphasized that strengthening the road network would be critical in unlocking economic opportunities and accelerating development in Kabale Municipality.
“My focus remains on improving the social and economic welfare of the people of Kabale. Much has been achieved, but a lot more still needs to be done to empower our communities,” Byamugisha said.
